The following article contains spoilers for The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody Episode 2, "Non-Standard," now streaming on Crunchyroll.Ard Meteor’s journey to make long-lasting friendships and regain his powers as a sorcerer continues in The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody’s latest episode, “Non-Standard.” After a significant time jump at the end of last week’s premiere, Ard and Ireena are now all grown up and have decided to enroll in the Laville National Academy of Magic to train their magical skills.
However, before the pair even have the chance to take the entrance exam, Count Golde, the academy’s headmaster, informs them that he has heard of their good deeds (in which they took down a group of goblins) and their heroic families and now sees their exceptional aura. The two are therefore given permission to skip the school’s practical exam and simply take the written component. From this moment on, Ard continues to impress his classmates and professors with his magical prowess -- in fact, many of his spells haven’t been seen for decades.
In the previous episode, “Typical Nobody,” viewers were informed that both magical powers and education have rapidly declined since Varvatos disappeared to be reincarnated as Ard Meteor. While Ard’s magical capabilities would typically be considered average, he remains one of the strongest warriors and sorcerers in the land.
Although fans of the show previously got a glimpse of Ard’s magical powers and theoretical understanding, there is little with which to compare his skill. In the latest episode, this all changes as viewers are able to see the reactions and skills of other magical users. From the moment Ard takes his theoretical exam, it becomes clear that he's not just good with magic but immensely knowledgeable as well, being informed by Count Golde that he is a genius.
Initially, Ard is confused by this, as he scored a zero in the examination. However, Golde reflects that the reason for this is that they were only incorrect “within the standards of modern ideology.” Consequently, Ard’s answers were so acute that they “far surpassed what has been hypothesized” -- even hexagon-class mages have struggled to come up with such vast improvements.
Ard’s skills are put to the test after being challenged to a duel by Elraldo Spencer. The class bully is flabbergasted that anyone would stand up to him for berating and beating-up Ginny Fin de Salvan, a succubus, who is of a lower class. While Elraldo believes that his skills are unmatched because of his family's heritage, Ard manages to quickly show him this notion is misguided.
During the fight, Ard easily deflects Elraldo’s attacks without a single incantation, quickly spotting that the power of his magical attacks has been exaggerated, and uses the spells that Elraldo had claimed to use against him. More impressive still is that Ard is capable of casting two spells simultaneously -- one to attack and another to defend Eraldo -- which he quickly discovers is not as simple as he believed. Instead, he discovers that this is a “Lost Skill” that few possess in this era.
Later, Ginny doubts her ability to take down a group of Black Wolves -- a Rank B+ monster. Ard offers his support by teaching her a new technique. Script Magic allows users to activate spells faster (and with less mana) than what would usually be possible by projecting simple circles in the air. Ireena and Ginny are shocked by Ard’s demonstration, not only due to its immense power but because he created the technique from scratch.
It seems that the show has only just begun to scratch the surface of Ard Meteor’s true power. With an unprecedented knowledge of magic, "Lost Skills" and the ability to craft impressive techniques, it seems that there is little Ard cannot do or go up against. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see if anyone will be able to challenge its protagonist. While Ard appears to have a rosy path ahead of him, the mysteries of this new animated world will surely unravel and show something a little darker than many might have expected.
